Beyond its reputation as a hub of advanced technology and booming industries, Shenzhen boasts numerous scenic spots worth exploring and delicious foods that linger in your memory. Each visit adds another reason to fall in love with this city. Let’s take a look at the best eats and activities Shenzhen has to offer!
I. Top Attractions in Shenzhen
Window of the World
Happy Valley
Shenzhen Bay Park
Dapeng Ancient Fortress
Dafen Oil Painting Village
Yangmeikeng
Xichong Beach
Guanhu Village
II. Shenzhen’s Specialty Foods
1. Specialty Dishes
Shajing Oysters, Nan’ao Abalones, Guangming Roast Pigeon, Jidi Congee (a savory rice porridge), Xixiang Jiwei Shrimp, Roast Goose, Siu Laap (Cantonese-style roasted/barbecued meat), Longgang Three-Yellow Chicken, Cart Noodles, Clay Pot Rice, Dry-Fried Beef Hor Fun (rice noodles stir-fried with beef), etc.
2. Food Districts
(1) Dongmen Night Market
Weizihexuan Mixed Noodles, Takoyaki (Octopus Balls), Mugwort Glutinous Rice Cakes, Pig’s Trotter Rice, Menglang Shidai Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dogs, Dongmen Bingbing (a local snack/drink spot).
(2) Chegongmiao Area
Xihuicui (a bakery/café chain), Jindalai Korean BBQ, Wuxi Street Food Stall, The Bunker Restaurant, Koucha (a tea shop), Northeast Korean Rice Cakes.
(3) Xiangxi Village
Fuji Fish Ball Noodle Soup, Second Sister’s Handmade Sesame Paste, Longfa Restaurant, Yujun Chicken Hot Pot.
(4) Shekou Food Area
Baicaotang Heritage Herbal Tea Shop, Baoshi Miscellaneous Snacks, Jiahua Snacks, Huang Liji Yangjiang Rice Noodles, Tom Yum Goong (Thai Spicy Soup), Eight-Treasure Beef Offal, Veteran’s Beef Trotter Shop.
(5) Huaqiang North Food Street
Feitao · Hong Kong Golden Teahouse, Chaomingxing Rice Noodle Roll King, Xixia Tea Factory (a bubble tea brand), Puning No.1 Rice Noodle Roll, Daiwa Cherry Blossom Delights, Snow Ice.
(6) Other Food Streets
Xiangmihu Food Street, Bagua 1st Road Food Street, Shangmeilin Food Street, Shenzhen University “Depraved Street” – Guimiao New Village (a popular food area near Shenzhen University).
III. Transportation & Accommodation
1. Accommodation
Most of Shenzhen’s attractions are distributed along the east-west coastline. Therefore, staying in a central location is ideal for convenience—districts like Yantian and Luohu are good choices. Additionally, attractions such as Splendid China, Happy Valley, and Window of the World are all accessible via Metro Line 1, so staying along Metro Line 1 is also a practical option.
2. Transportation
- Airport: Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport is directly connected by Metro Line 11.
- Railway Stations: Shenzhen Railway Station, Shenzhen North Railway Station (served by high-speed trains), Shenzhen East Railway Station, etc.
- Metro: Currently, Shenzhen has over 8 operational metro lines. Metro Lines 1 and 2 cover the most concentrated tourist attractions. To pay for metro rides, you can download the “Shenzhen Metro” app or use the “Shenzhen Tong” mini-program on WeChat/Alipay to scan the QR code for entry/exit.
IV. Recommended Itineraries
3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Window of the World → China Folk Culture Village → Shenzhen University
- Day 2: Dameisha Beach → Xiaomeisha Beach → Dongmen Old Street
- Day 3: Zhongying Street → Overseas Chinese Town East (Grand Canyon / Tea Stream Valley)
5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Window of the World → China Folk Culture Village → Shenzhen Bay Park
- Day 2: Civic Center (Shenzhen Library / Concert Hall) → Dafen Oil Painting Village / Gankeng Hakka Town → Dongmen Old Street
- Day 3: Dapeng Ancient Fortress → Jiaochangwei → Jujiaosha Beach → Yangmeikeng → Guanhu Village
- Day 4: Dameisha & Xiaomeisha Beaches → Xianhu Botanical Garden
- Day 5: Zhongying Street → Overseas Chinese Town East (Grand Canyon / Tea Stream Valley)
Notes on Key Terms
- “民俗村” is translated as “China Folk Culture Village” (the official English name of the scenic spot).
- “中英街” (Zhongying Street) is a famous border street between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, with historical significance, so its Chinese pinyin is retained for clarity.
- “较场尾” (Jiaochangwei), “桔钓沙” (Jujiaosha) are local place names, so pinyin is used to ensure accuracy, as direct literal translation may cause confusion.
- “堕落街” (Depraved Street) is a colloquial name for the food area near Shenzhen University, reflecting its lively and casual vibe; the original term is retained with an explanation for cultural context.
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